Ruger Stainless 1022 Deluxe Sporter – Quest for Factory Accuracy

Does a Ruger Stainless 1022 Deluxe Sporter really shoot so badly that the barrel, trigger, bolt and even the receiver has to be changed to make them shoot well. When I upgraded my first 1022, I replace the barrel, trigger and other parts before I tried to improve the accuracy of the factory rifle. Afterward, I saw a youtuber STKO do a base line test of factory vs. match grade barrel that showed his factory 1022 shot about as well with the factory barrel as it did with an aftermarket match grade barrel . 

So now I am doing my own test with a another Ruger 1022 Deluxe Sporter.  This particular rifle is supposed to be one of the “Walmart Specials” with a 22” barrel. The receiver does not say “Ruger 1022 Carbine” like most 1022’s.  This receiver is marked only “Ruger Model 1022 – 22LR Caliber”.    I originally  bought this used rifle because it looked so good.   An exceptional piece of hardwood for the Sporter stock and the longer than average barrel really caught my eye..I had to have it.

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It was a used rifle so as soon as I got it home I started the inspection and found evidence of “tinkering”.  There was a hole drilled in the back of the receiver for cleaning rod access, a synthetic buffer, the stock had some tape in the barrel channel for a pressure point and it had a 2 lb trigger pull.  All of which I was glad to discover.  These are some of the same things I would have tried to get better accuracy from the rifle.  After shooting a couple of hundred rounds through the rifle, the trigger seems to be very good, breaking crisply with almost no creep.  It also has an over travel adjustment screw installed.  Someone did a very good trigger job on it.

50 Yard Accuracy Testing

I could be wrong, but I think most 22LR rifles need three things to get them to shoot groups under 1” at 50 yards – the right ammo, a decent trigger and proper bedding.  Every rifle seems to prefer different ammo so testing different  brands and different velocity ammo is a basic first step.  Most rifles shoot standard velocity (about 1100 fps) better than high velocity, but your rifle may be the exception.  A good trigger is a must for YOU to be able to get the max accuracy from the rifle.  The better the trigger, the better you can shoot it.  You will never be able to achieve best results from a very accurate barrel without a good trigger.  Bedding, my  biggest challenge, can usually be helped by floating the barrel but some rifles like a little pressure on the barrel near the tip of the forend.

The first trip to the range was pretty good.   I found out that in the current configuration the Ruger Stainless 1022 would usually keep high velocity loads 1” to 1 1/2”,  but with standard velocity loads it did much better, down to around 1/2” with match ammo.

The second trip to the range was more testing but with a different stock that free floated the barrel using CCI Standard and Aguila standard velocity ammo.  Results were a little better, especially with the Aguila.  All the groups were under an inch,  and  I was starting to get some one hole 50 yard groups with Aguila standard velocity.  The Aguila shoots at 1129fps and is $2.99 for box of 50.    I am pretty sure match  ammo would turn in some even better groups.

My next test was to compare the Match barrel 1022 against this Ruger Stainless 1022 Deluxe Sporter’s factory barrel.  The stainless model went back into its original stock with a plastic shim under front of the action to free float the barrel. The results below show the Stainless 1022 with factory barrel on left with an average 50 yard group size of .61 and the blue 1022 with GM Match Sporter barrel on the right with average group size of .51.  The ammo used was not match ammo, but field grade ammo off the shelf from Academy Sports.  The CCI and Aguila Standard are about $3 a box.  From the testing I have found that both rifles like standard velocity ammo,  but the match barrel will shoot High Velocity ammo much better than the factory barrel.  I am sure both of these rifles will easily shoot 1/2” groups with match ammo.

I was pleasantly surprise that the Ruger Deluxe Sporter factory 22” barrel shot so well.  I do not think the length of the barrel has anything to do with accuracy, but it is a great shooter.  The longer barrel definitely makes the rifle feel better in the hands,  and the longer Sporter stock with rubber butt bad makes it easier to hold on target than the carbine stock.

I started testing with a very good trigger, but floating the barrel and ammo testing cut the group size in half from where I started. If your trigger is less than great, there are several options available to you.  Brimstone will do a basic trigger job for only $38.50, Kidd and Volquartsen have trigger kits for a little over $100, or you can buy complete 2.25 lb trigger assembly from Hornet Products for $129.  That’s pretty cheap to get a Ruger 1022 shooting under an inch at 50 yards.   Of course, if you are like most of us who are working on your own 1022,  you can do a DYI trigger job to make the trigger much better just by polishing the trigger parts without actually removing any metal. There is lots of information about polishing the trigger on Rimfire Central and Youtube.

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Ruger Stainless 1022 DYI Gunsmithing

According to gunsmiths and many shooters on Rimfire Central, one of the best things you can do for improved accuracy is a bolt tuneup which usually consists of following

• Bolt is totally disassembled, cleaned, deburred
• Bolt face is surface ground and squared to about .043″ LR rim headspace depth; same as bolt action rifle for accuracy and reduced fliers
• The width of the firing pin where it hits the cartridge rim is reduced to .030” for deeper firing pin strike to give better ignition
• A hole is E.D.M.’ed and a dowel pin pressed in over the front of the firing pin to hold it from raising up, reducing flyers and to get more consistent firing pin strikes.
• The rear of the bolt where it rides over the hammer is radiused to provide smoother operation.

I checked the bolt on my pre-owned Ruger 1022 Deluxe Sporter  and found someone had already done much of the bolt tuneup work.  The rear of the bolt had been radiused, the dowel pin over the firing pin had been installed, and an after market .060” firing pin was installed.

First, I removed the firing pin and ground the tip to .030” for harder strike on the case rim. With a sharper tip on the firing pin, there should be better ignition on ammo with thicker than average rims.

Second, I resurfaced the bolt head for closer head space.  The cartridge head space depth is supposed to match the thickness of a 22LR rim thickness with very little excess depth.  The recess drilled into the 1022 bolt face to cover the rim of the chambered round is usually deeper than it should be, up to about .055” on some 1022 rifles.  Proper head space on a 1022 should be about .0425”- .043”.   I miked my bolt with a digital caliper for head space and it was almost .050” deep. I thought about sending it to a gunsmith but that was a month time and $60 so I looked for a DIY solution. 

My neighbor owns a furniture restoration shop so I talked to him about the project and the idea we came up with was to use his heavy commercial table saw to set up a jig to grind the bolt face.  We went to a lot of trouble to get everything set up just right but it all came down to making sure the bolt face was positioned to be perfectly square with the diamond polishing plate clamped to the saw fence.  Then I just ground the face to almost .043” with the coarse side of the grinding plate, and then polished it with the smooth side of the plate. 

Test Results For The 10/22 Project

Back to the range to see if the work on the bolt face helped.  The first thing I can tell you is that those rounds that sound like they were under powered and dropped an inch low on the target are history.  Every round sounded full powered with several types of ammo.  Am I still getting fliers?  Yes but not as many.  No weak rounds  with a puff of smoke from the barrel.  Is the accuracy any better?  Hard to say after one trip to the  range if the accuracy has improved. 

Below are two targets that I shot today, one from the 1022 and one from my CZ455.  Even though I used CCI Standard, Aguila Match & SK Match ammo, I still got a couple of fliers.  One thing for sure, the 1022 likes the SK Match HV ammo just as my Green Mountain barreled 1022 does.  The 1022 shoots as well as my CZ455, so it is hard to complain about a few fliers.

To answer my initial question about having to replace the barrel or other key parts of the 1022 to get acceptable from a 1022, in this case the answer is no.  The accuracy was not to bad to begin with, but floating the barrel really did help.  I tested several types of ammo, and it shot it all pretty well.  The more expensive ammo usually shot better, but there were fliers from every  type of  ammo.  The bolt work seemed to have helped mechanically, but I can not yet say yet that  it made a big difference in the accuracy.     

The Legendary Legacy: Exploring the History of the Ruger 10/22

Introduction: When it comes to iconic firearms, few can match the enduring popularity and widespread acclaim of the Ruger 10/22. Since its introduction in 1964, the Ruger 10/22 has become one of the most recognized and beloved .22 caliber rifles in the world. In this blog post, we will delve into the fascinating history of the Ruger 10/22, tracing its origins, key milestones, and its lasting impact on the shooting community.

Inception and Early Development: The Ruger 10/22 was the brainchild of renowned firearms designer William B. Ruger and his team. It was envisioned as a versatile and affordable .22 caliber rifle that would appeal to a wide range of shooters, from beginners to experienced enthusiasts. The design incorporated innovative features, including a detachable rotary magazine and a semi-automatic action, setting the stage for its future success.

Introduction and Initial Reception: The Ruger 10/22 was officially introduced in 1964, and it quickly gained attention for its robust build quality, reliable operation, and accuracy. The rifle’s stock options, barrel lengths, and sights offered customization and versatility, allowing shooters to tailor the rifle to their preferences and shooting needs. The 10/22’s affordable price point made it accessible to a wide audience, contributing to its rapid popularity.

Evolving Features and Variants: Over the years, Ruger continued to enhance and expand the Ruger 10/22 line. In 1999, the company introduced the 10/22 Magnum variant chambered in .22 Magnum, offering increased power and range. The 10/22’s success prompted Ruger to introduce various models with different stock materials, finishes, barrel profiles, and sights to cater to diverse customer preferences. The rifle’s adaptability and ease of customization made it a favorite among hobbyists and aftermarket accessory manufacturers.

Cultural Impact and Popularity: The Ruger 10/22 has achieved an iconic status within the shooting community. Its reliability, affordability, and ease of use have made it a popular choice for plinking, small game hunting, target shooting, and even competitive shooting events. The rifle’s versatility and consistent performance have endeared it to generations of shooters, with countless 10/22s becoming cherished family heirlooms passed down through the years.

Aftermarket Support and Innovation: The Ruger 10/22’s enduring popularity has spurred a thriving aftermarket industry, offering a vast array of accessories and modifications. From custom stocks and barrels to upgraded triggers and magazines, shooters have an extensive selection of options to enhance their 10/22’s performance and aesthetics. The rifle’s modular design and widespread availability of aftermarket parts have made it a beloved platform for experimentation and personalization.

Legacy and Enduring Success: The Ruger 10/22’s legacy is undeniable. With millions of rifles sold and an unwavering fan base, it has firmly established itself as a classic and timeless firearm. Its impact on the shooting community extends beyond its impressive sales figures, as it has introduced countless individuals to the joy of shooting and fostered a lifelong passion for firearms.

Conclusion: The Ruger 10/22’s history is a testament to its timeless design, innovative features, and enduring popularity. From its humble beginnings in 1964 to its status as an iconic rimfire rifle, the 10/22 has left an indelible mark on the firearms industry. With its reliability, versatility, and customizable nature, the Ruger 10/22 continues to inspire shooters of all ages and skill levels, ensuring its place as a true legend among firearms.

Best Scopes For 22LR Rimfire Rifles

Bushnell Rimfire 3-9×40 Riflescope with DZ22 Reticle in Black – RR3940BS4

Bushnell Rimfire 3-9×40 Riflescope with DZ22 Reticle $99 at Amazon

BDC Reticle for 40 Grain 22 AMMO

• The Bushnell Rimfire 3-9×40 is Designed to deliver peak performance for the 40-grain .22 LR, this scope boasts a BDC reticle with hold positions out to 125 yards—and you’ll never miss your shot thanks to capped turrets that protect your settings in the field
• One-piece, aircraft-grade aluminum body that has no problem standing up to the elements and rough use and capped turrets to protect your scope settings in the field
• Multi-Coated Optics for improved resolution, light transmission, and contrast to you get you on target
• DZ22 Reticle is designed specifically for a 40 grain 22 LR, with drop points out to 125 yards. Ideal for: Varmint, small game, plinking
• The Bushnell 3-9×40 Rimfire is covered by our Ironclad lifetime warranty

Vortex Optics Diamondback 2-7×35 Rimfire Scope

Vortex Optics Diamondback 2-7×35 Rimfire Scope $199 at Amazon

• The Diamondback 2-7×35 Rimfire riflescope is ideal for use at close range on 22 rimfire Rifles.
• The V-Plex reticle is a popular all-purpose hunting reticle intended for a wide variety of hunting applications.
• Lenses are fully multi-coated for crystal clear, bright images from dawn till dusk. The fast focus Eyepiece allows for quick and easy reticle focusing.
• Metal on metal Precision turrets offer the ability to zero reset after sight-in. A precision glide erector System ensures accurate tracking and repeatability.
• A solid one-piece tube with a hard anodized finish creates a shockproof and durable scope while helping camouflage The shooter’s position.
• Argon purged and O-ring sealed the scope will deliver a lifetime of Fog proof and waterproof performance.

Leupold VX-Freedom Specialty 3-9×40 Rimfire Riflescope

Leupold VX-Freedom Specialty Scopes Rimfire Riflescope $299 at Amaon

Designed Specifically For 22 Rimfire Rifles

• Model #174181 – VX-Freedom Rimfire 3-9×40 Riflescope with a Rimfire MOA Reticle, Capped Finger Click Adjustments and a Matte finish
• In Second Focal Plane (rear focal plane) scopes, the reticle stays the same size while the target grows and shrinks when you adjust the magnification. These reticles are ideal for lowlight hunting situations and in scopes that don’t utilize hash marks for range estimation.
• A 3:1 zoom ratio gives you 3 times more magnification at high power than at low power
• Designed, Machined and Assembled in the USA. 100% Waterproof, fogproof, shockproof, and backed by Leupold’s legendary customer care

Click For More 22 Rimfire Scopes at Amazon.

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